BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joan Cowling (President of John Humphrey Centre)

Joan’s roots extend deep into the Edmonton community. She was born, raised and educated in Edmonton where she and her husband chose to raise their five children. She is a graduate of the University of Alberta (Bachelor of Commerce and) (Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education) and Queen’s University (Master of Industrial Relations), and a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP). She holds the firm belief that education of our young people is one of the most important endeavours a society undertakes and is a strong advocate for working towards a culture of peace, human rights and justice for all members of our community. Since the beginning of the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights she has been a member of the Board of Directors serving on the executive in various capacities. Currently she is the President.

Norman McLeod (Vice President of John Humphrey Centre)

Norm is the former senior administrator for the Services to Persons with Developmental Disabilities Branch for the province of Alberta. He led the creation of the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Community Governance structure and served as the first CEO of its Provincial Board. Norm was responsible for introducing individualized funding to enable people with developmental disabilities to receive supports tailored to their unique needs. Since Norm’s retirement he has served as Vice–President of the Alberta Association for Community Living and Treasurer of the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL), President of the Centre for Spiritual Living SE Edmonton and is currently a member of the People first of Canada and the CACL Task Force on the Right to Live in Community. Norm is a recipient of numerous provincial and national awards.

Lou Yaniw (Treasurer, of John Humphrey Centre)

For 40 years, Lou has proudly served the field of public funded education. Throughout his career, Lou has been a strong advocate of human rights education for students, staff and parents. He has spoken at many teacher conventions and professional development workshops across Canada and has assisted numerous schools and districts in advancing positive pro-social behaviour practices that support and highlight rights and freedoms for all. During his career, he has received numerous accolades and awards including the National Reader's Digest: Leadership in Education Award and the Queen's Commemorative Medal for Excellence in Education. Lou is a graduate of the University of Alberta and earned a Bachelor of Education Degree in Secondary Education, Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, and a Doctor of Education in Curricular Studies.

Salma Lakhani

Salma was studying for her degree in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Manchester,UK, when her entire family along with thousands of others of South Asian origin, were expelled from Uganda. Salma came to Edmonton Alberta which has been her home since 1977. Salma has served as a volunteer with Edmonton's Ismaili Muslim community. She served as Chair of the Parents council at the Old Scona Academic High School for 3 years and was on the Board of the Zebra Child Protection Agency. Salma has helped teach English to newly arrived immigrants from Central Asia, and is a mentor at Norquest Community College where she also serves on the "1000 Women Advisory Committee." She has been a recipient of the Alberta Centennial Medal and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her community services.

Noelle Jaipul

Noelle Jaipaul is a first-generation Canadian settler, born in Edmonton. Noelle has a Master's in Public and International Affairs from the University of Ottawa, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Middle Eastern and African Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta.

Noelle's professional and volunteer experience has focused on working with marginalized populations including immigrant, refugee, and homeless communities in Edmonton. Noelle has a particular interest in anti-racism and racial justice, health equity and anti-poverty. She has worked in Canada and internationally to support communities to realize these human rights. Noelle currently works with the City of Edmonton as a Multicultural Liaison and is a core member of the Edmonton Shift Lab team on anti-racism and anti-poverty. She is also an associate consultant for the Centre for Race and Culture.

Ranya El-Sharkawi

Ranya El-Sharkawi is a third year honours Political Science student at the University of Alberta. She is an active campus and community member, currently serving as the undergraduate representative on the University of Alberta’s Sesquicentennial Committee, the Co-Chair Administration of the Canadian Red Cross Club and a founding member of the Daughter For Life Foundation’s Edmonton chapter. Her previous experiences include executive positions with the University of Alberta High School Model United Nations and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Committee. Ranya has just completed a legal research internship with the Koons Family Institute for International Law and Policy (ICMEC) in Washington, DC.

Jill Flaman

Jill Flaman has long been active in arts communities as an instructor, board member, co-founder of Trap\door Artist Run Centre, Assistant Director of the Trianon Gallery and staff member at the Alberta College of Art + Design. Currently, she combines her passion for art and design with community engagement through her work as the Communications and Program Coordinator of the Community Service-Learning (CSL) program at the University of Alberta. Originally from southern Alberta, Jill now calls Edmonton home after travelling extensively throughout Asia. She is passionate about human rights at home and abroad, and strongly believes in the strength of community. Jill joined the JHC board in January 2017 out of a desire to contribute, educate and advocate locally for equality, understanding and social justice. She is also a mom.

Christine Rapp (Special Advisor, John Humphrey Centre)

Christine practiced law for more than 30 years in general commercial areas. She brings to the Board legal context in matters relating to governance, legislative interpretation and contracts as well as personal experience developed through her volunteer Board memberships. Christine is currently a semi-retired sole practitioner. Throughout her career, she has been active in various lawyers’ associations. Her appointment to the Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board took effect on April 1, 2013. Her other recent volunteer activities include being a director and president of the Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada (SEVEC), a tutor with the Centre for Family Literacy, a member of the Alberta Student Finance Board and a member of the executive of the Canadian Federation of University Women Edmonton – Academics Awards Fund.